Guide to Area
Annecy is a vibrant and seductive town, there are plenty of estate agents to visit in the town itself. As an agency we specialise in selling villas and houses in the surrounding towns. The lake itself is renowned internationally for its idyllic way of life and the quality of its water. Lac d'Annecy (more correctly) flows into the canals of the old town adding to the picturesque appeal of the medieval streets and floral quaysides. Sporting activities around the lake are numerous and varied: the cycle route along the edge of the lake is not to be missed. There are water-based activities (swimming, sailing, water skiing or diving) and two 18 hole golf courses with incredible views. You can discover the lake from the air by tandem parapente or hang-glider flights. Walking trails, mountain bike routes, climbing sites, via ferrata and canyoning also offer great view points.
In winter the ski stations of the Grand Bornand and La Clusaz offer plenty of skiing at just 40 minutes from the town centre. The property for sale in these resorts is more likely to be the classic chalet or ski apartment. Closer still is the station of Semnoz, favoured by the people of Annecy for its family appeal and snowshoe and Nordic skiing trails. Basically, there is something for everyone whatever their age or tastes. Cultural activities are also a big plus point for the Lac Annecy region; the town is rich in museums and chateaux offering guided visits and numerous exhibitions. Gastronomy also marks the lake region as a great place to live with 5 Michelin starred restaurants in and around Annecy.
Towns
Annecy (Altitude 448m, population 67,000)
Annecy is the Haute-Savoie's largest city and, located just 30 minutes from Geneva airport, it offers a splendid gateway to the rest of the Alps. La Clusaz is just 20 minutes away and many other good ski resorts are close by. This, combined with the best commercial facilities in the Alps, has led to an increasing number of ski-related companies locating their operations in Annecy. The city is attracting more and more international buyers. As well as offering a feasible ski base during the winter, it also provides a delightful summer season when visitors pour in from all over France to take in its pretty streets, leisure activities and stunning lake. Annecy itself contains a quite stunning 12th century Old Town section, traversed by picturesque canals flowing from the lake.
Veyrier du Lac
A tranquil lakeside resort loved by painters and poets. Sitting on the south facing slopes of Mont Veyrier (1,293m), the town overlooks Lake Annecy and it is only a short walk to the beach and access to the huge range of water-based activities. Those who love the lake will be able to do all kinds of water activities and wind down completely on the beach. This is a fantastic year-round location with the Aravis ski resorts of La Clusaz and Grand Bornand 30 minutes away, Annecy town only 5 minutes down the road and Geneva an easy 30 minute commute thanks to a new motorway.
Menthon
This lovely village has gorgeous south-facing views across Lake Annecy all within 20 minutes of Annecy town and under an hour to Geneva. You'll love the pedestrian area at the harbour and the large, supervised beach with a paddling pool. The medieval castle where Saint Bernard was born, founder of the Petit and Grand Saint Bernard hospices, towers over the town. It has a very cosmopolitan population of under 2000 people.
Talloires
Talloires is a charming port village with a booming summer tourist trade around the water sports base with its diving and sailing schools. There are three supervised beaches for swimming and a whole range of other activities: tennis, an 18-hole golf course, mini-golf, paragliding, water sports and adventure trails, to name but a few. At the foot of the highest peak around the lake and overlooked by the Roc de Chère Nature Reserve.